Evaluating the antibacterial and antibiotic activity of Semenovia suffruticosa essential oil against several pathogenic bacteria

Researchers from the Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman in Iran have found that the essential oil of Semenovia suffruticosa contains significant antibiotic properties. In their study, published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements, the authors noted that S. suffruticosa has the potential for use as an alternative for chemical antibiotics.

Recent studies have looked into the ability of medicinal plants to counter the increasing number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

In the study, the team looked at the antibacterial activities of S. suffruticosa collected in four regions in Kerman, Iran, namely: Hezar Mountain, Laleh Zar, Bidkhan, and Rabor.

The researchers also determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bacterial concentration (MBC) values of S. suffruticosa using disk diffusion assay, and its composition was identified using GC-MS analysis.

From the results, S. suffruticosa from Laleh Zar had the most yield of essential oil, and its main components were Z-B-ocimene, linalool, and B-pinene.

The essential oil from Bidkhan region had the greatest MIC value, while those from Laleh Zar had a MIC value of 1.25 mg/mL against S. aureaus and S. pneumoniae.

The findings confirm the antibacterial properties of S. suffruticosa. In addition, it also identifies that the yield and component of its essential oil can be influenced by its environmental conditions.